john boehner. it may be much easier for him to have a debate on taxes in january than the republicans to vote on lowering taxes. it's not the way we should do it, but it's the way it may get done. host: the front page of the new york times -- there would possibly look at extending the tax cuts for middle-class americans if the studio sides cannot come to agreement. then later when there's another deadline, go back and fight for more spending cuts and tax cuts for the wealthy americans. the house leader nancy pelosi asked to get them to put extending tax cuts for the middle class on the floor. do you have enough votes? guest: we don't have enough votes to get the discharge petition. discharge petitions often are not successful. the republicans are in a box. now they appear to be defending tax cuts for the rich even at the expense of tax cuts for 98% of americans. it's not a good place to be. but the backup position as a lot of danger in it. if we go back to the debt ceiling fight where we are willin